Kebbi State Amirul Hajj, the Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, says the government has taken possession of passports and visas of pilgrims, in readiness for the departure to Saudi Arabia, for the 2025 Hajj.
A total of 3,800 intending pilgrims from the state have fully paid their fares for the spiritual journey.
Mera made this known during an inaugural meeting between a government delegation and officials of the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency in Birnin Kebbi.
The monarch confirmed that the batch of pilgrims has been scheduled to depart the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, on the 9th of May, after which subsequent airlifts would follow.
He added that all arrangements have been concluded for the evacuation of the pilgrims that will proceed without break until conclusion.
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“Pilgrims will receive their Basic Travel Allowance, BTA, in Saudi Riyal cash, beginning this Hajj.
“The comfort of pilgrims is of paramount importance to the government.
Necessary accommodation has been secured in the Holy Land”
Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera advised the government delegation and officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency to work in unison with the fear of God, to protect the rights and privileges of the pilgrims and ensure the successful conduct of the Hajj operation.
The Executive Chairman of the Agency, Faruk Yaro, pledged absolute cooperation with the government’s delegation, to ensure a successful Hajj exercise.
At the Hajj camp in Birnin Kebbi, vaccinations were administered to the Amirul Hajj and other members of the government delegation, to signal the commencement of the vaccination exercise for the pilgrims.
Each vaccine recipient was presented with the “Yellow Card,” as required by domestic and international law.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
